DENVER, Colo. — A Colorado Springs drug dealer who frequently traveled to Glendale, Arizona to pick up methamphetamine hidden in fish coolers and distribute the drug in southern Colorado has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years on supervised released, officials announced Monday.

Roger Wade Anderson was first indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver on March 10, 2016. He pleaded guilty to the gun and drug crimes on July 18, 2016.

According to court documents, law enforcement first became aware that Anderson was distributing large quantities of methamphetamine in July 2015. Multiple sources confirmed that Anderson would drive his red Ford F250 truck to Glendale, Arizona to pick up the methamphetamine.

During the investigation into Anderson, law enforcement discovered that he would drive several times a month to Glendale, stay in a local hotel in a pre-paid room, and pick up a cooler that had insulation removed so the methamphetamine was packed in the container’s sides, officials said.

During one of Anderson’s trips to Glendale, law enforcement conducted surveillance and confirmed he had left his Colorado Springs home, traveled to Glendale and then back to Colorado Springs.

Authorities said once he returned to Colorado Springs via I-25, a traffic stop was initiated. During a pat search, officers found plastic baggies of methamphetamine in both his front pockets.

A CSPD K9 officer conducted a sniff search and following the obtaining of a search warrant, officials found a cooler in the truck’s bed that contained fish and shrimp packed in ice.

Officers then removed the liner of the cooler and found 10 packages of suspected methamphetamine concealed within the cooler.

A search was also conducted on Anderson’s residence and officers recovered methamphetamine, amphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. They also found a shotgun and revolver confirmed to be stolen.

“Anderson was a major player in the cycle of violence and drugs in southern Colorado,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Ken Croke. “The number of lives he has ruined, both addicts and their loved ones, is incalculable.”

Anderson is charged for possession of a firearm and possession of under 10 pounds of pure methamphetamine, officials said.

This case was investigated by Colorado Springs office of ATF, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and the Colorado Springs Police Department.